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| Some suspected illegal workers being led to an immigration van in an earlier operation (File) |
The Immigration Department arrested seven suspected illegal workers – three of them foreign domestic helpers and three overstayers - in an anti-illegal work raid conducted yesterday, May 20.
In addition, three people suspected to have employed
them were arrested.
During the operation, Immigration agents raided more
than 10 target locations, including restaurants, a retail store, grocery shops
and industrial buildings.
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| TAWAG NA! |
The suspected illegal workers comprised one man and
six women, aged 24 to 49. Apart from the three FDHs and three overstayers, one
other person arrested held a recognisance form, which prohibits him from taking
up employment.
Three men, aged 37 to 58, were also arrested on suspicion
of employing the said illegal workers.
According to Immigration, the suspected illegal
workers were hired to do odd jobs, including dishwashing work, food processing
and delivery.
"A helper should only perform domestic duties
for the employer specified in the contract. The helper should not take up any
other employment, including part-time domestic duties, with any other person,”
said Immigration.
“The employer should not require or allow the helper
to carry out any work for any other person.”
Immigration warned that anyone who violates the condition
of their stay commits an offence, and could be jailed for up to two years and face
a maximum fine of $50,000.
An overstayer or someone who faces a removal or
deportation order (like those on recognizance) faces a more severe penalty of
three years’ imprisonment and a maximum fine of $50,000.
Employers of illegal workers could be jailed for up
to 10 years and ordered to pay a maximum fine of $500,000. In addition, they
face an immediate custodial sentence according to sentencing guidelines laid
down by the High Court.
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